Highly touted A's prospect on verge of spring debut

MESA, Arizona — Jorge Mateo, rated as the No. 3 prospect in the A’s organization, cleared his final medical hurdle after a knee injury and is line to make his Cactus League debut Tuesday.

That’s good news for Mateo, and even better news for head trainer Nick Paparesta, who can finally stop that nagging pain coming from the manager’s office.

“I’m on him every day about getting (Mateo) into games,” Bob Melvin said Monday. “So more than anything, the trainer will be relieved.”

Mateo, 22, and outfielder Dustin Fowler were the key pieces of the trade that sent All-Star pitcher Sonny Gray to the New York Yankees last July 31.

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Mateo’s calling card is speed — he stole 82 bases during a 2015 season split between two Class A stops. Last year, he stole 52 more bases as he rose up to Double-A. Baseball America ranked him as the game’s No. 64 best prospect — of from his high of No. 26 in 2016.

Mateo started having trouble with his knee during winter ball remained in the starting blocks this spring. A few hours before Monday’s game against the Chicago White Sox, he ran the bases and did some sliding drills without incident.

“I feel like I’m there,” he said shortly after the workout.

Mateo can play the outfield, too, but feels most comfortable at shortstop. A right-handed hitter, his bat needs work. He struck out 144 times in 532 at-bats last season.

For now, the A’s are happy just to get him back on the field again. He’s in line to face the Texas Rangers at Hohokam Stadium.

“Whenever you make a trade like that … there’s some anticipation,” Melvin said. “And then with the skill set on top of that, there’s a lot to be excited about.”

— Speaking of prospects, Franklin Barreto is off to a big start. Entering play Monday, Baretto had a .294 average with a .350 on-base percentage and .882 slugging percentage through his first 17 at-bats. Of his five hits, four are for extra bases.

“He’s the No. 1 prospect in our organization for a reason,” Melvin said. “It’s just about finding a spot for him. When he plays like this, it’s difficult. We have some guys in his way, but that doesn’t mean he’s not going to have a bright career.”

Barreto has four games at second base and three at shortstop this spring.

— Jairo Labourt, a left-handed reliever claimed off waivers from the Reds on Sunday, is expected to report to spring training and take a physical within the next few days.

Until then, Melvin doesn’t have much of a scouting report. “I know he throws hard,” he said.

Labourt made his major league debut with the Detroit Tigers last year and compiled a 4.50 ERA and .200 opponents batting average in six relief appearances during a September call-up.